The Backyard Naturalist frequently recommends Squirrel Proof and Large Bird Resistant Feeders.
To begin with, squirrel-resistance and squirrel-proofing are two different strategies! If squirrels or larger birds are vacuuming out your songbird feeder daily, we understand your frustration. Based on our experience, we’re glad to help you employ the best strategy for you and your birds. HINT: The right feeder and location, location, location. Ask us!
Below, some of our favorites.
“The Absolute Combo” with Hanger and Pole
This Squirrel and Large Bird Resistant seed feeder is rugged with all metal construction and has a large capacity—holds up to 15 lbs/2.5 gallons of seed!
The weight of squirrels and heavier birds closes off their access to food due to a spring-activated perch. It’s adjustable to three positions to allow for the weight of species you’d like to feed. Comes with a pole and hanger. See more details here:
Absolute Combo with Pole and Hanger
Domed Feeders
The Mandarin Sky Cafe
With its revolutionary tray design and huge 17-inch diameter squirrel-resistant dome, there’s nothing else like The Mandarin Sky Cafe. Anywhere! Enjoy a clear view of the action while easily monitoring the content of the large, 1 1/2 gallon seed container.
Party potential! Ten or more songbirds can gather at once on the circular, full-view patio. Even cardinals, who are a bit shy about landing on narrow spots are eager to land on this popular standing-room-only platform.
The Big Top
Droll Yankees® Big Top® Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder w/ 15.5 in. Adjustable Dome Cover, 3 lb capacity
Has a 15-inch, adjustable squirrel-resistant dome and a large seed bowl. dome offers weather protection for feeding birds, as well as the option to only allow access to birds up to a certain size to feed. See product page here.
Caged and Domed Feeders
Caged feeders can discourage squirrels and larger birds, like Crows, Grackles and Starlings, from cleaning out your feeders. In most situations, these are also very squirrel-resistant.
Seed Feeders
Droll Yankees® Caged and Domed Feeders
SDC New Generation and B7DC Classic Silver
SDC
Droll Yankees® New Generation® Green Sunflower Caged Bird Feeder, 1 lb. capacity, 23 in. diameter
B7DC
Droll Yankees® Squirrel-Proof Caged Sunflower Bird Feeder, 2.5 lb capacity, 20 in.
The best of both worlds: protection from squirrels and larger birds, plus weather protection. Small songbirds easily fly in for safe feeding. See Droll Yankees Domed Cage Feeders product page for details on both the SDC and B7DC.
Caged Suet Feeders
The Squirrel Resistant Suet Palace
When the suet compartment metal plate is in place, the Suet Palace keeps squirrels, Starlings and Grackles from eating the suet. This plate is removable, so that if you hang the feeder higher than Starlings and Grackles normally choose to eat, you can take the plate out. This lets large Woodpeckers like Flickers, Sapsuckers, Red Headed, Red Bellied, and even Pileated Woodpeckers hang from the bottom and feed.
Erva’s Squirrel-Proof Double Suet Cake Feeder
Two standard suet cakes are protected by a barrier of 16 gauge galvanized and vinyl coated wire mesh with 1-1/2″ openings to keep out starlings and squirrels. The barrier mesh is made in Massachusetts by a company that produces lobster traps!! Durable enough to withstand being submerged in saltwater and locks down to prevent squirrels and raccoons from opening the feeder. The body of this feeder is made of automotive-industry quality steel and is powder-coated. Very durable!
Hiatt Squirrel-Proof Double Suet Cake Feeder
Support clinging birds like Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and more, while keeping squirrels and large birds from gobbling up your suet cakes. Durable metal construction has a weather-resistant finish.
Caged Meal Worm Feeders
Erva’s Squirrel-Proof Meal Worm Feeder
Keep out larger birds like the relentless Starlings! Along with squirrels and raccoons! Barrier guarded with sturdy vinyl coated wire mesh with 1-1/2″ square openings to allow Bluebirds, Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Nuthatches Wrens and Orioles access to the large interior compartments. Even Orioles have plenty of room to get a meal! Like ‘Erva’s Squirrel-Proof Double Suet Cake Feeder’ (see below), this feeder is very durable.
About Squirrel/Large Bird Resistant Feeders and Squirrel-Proofing
If you’re looking for a feeder that will absolutely, under all circumstances, keep squirrels out, see our selection of ‘About Squirrel-Proof Feeders’ here. We also have a selection of add-on Squirrel and Raccoon Baffles here.
